Today's Regulatory Mix:  FCC CAF II Winning Bids, Ohio Announces New Anti-Robocall Initiative 

FCC CAF II Winning Bids 

The FCC announced it is ready to authorize Connect America Fund Phase II auction (Auction 903) support for the Auction 903 winning bids identified in Attachment A.  To be authorized to receive the total 10-year support amounts, the applicants identified in that attachment are required to submit acceptable irrevocable standby letter(s) of credit and Bankruptcy Code opinion letter(s) from their legal counsel for each state where they have winning bids that are ready to be authorized prior to 6:00 p.m. ET on Thursday, March 19, 2020. 

The FCC noted that one entity did not pursue its winning bids and therefore is in default and will be subject to forfeiture.  The entity was referred to the Enforcement Bureau for further action.   

Ohio Announces New Anti-Robocall Initiative  

In a press release, Attorney General Dave Yost announced the formation of a Robocall Enforcement Unit and the development of a tool that lets consumers report malicious robocalls to his office. 

“Ohioans are tired of playing defense against annoying robocalls,” Yost said.  “Now it’s Ohio’s turn to play offense – and we need your help.” 

The new unit, part of Yost’s Consumer Protection Section, is dedicated to rooting out bad actors at every level of the robocall industry.  The unit is made up of attorneys and investigators, including some who are already involved in legal action against companies responsible for the onslaught of calls. 

The Robocall Enforcement Unit will take a multipronged approach to the problem by partnering with anti-robocall groups at the national level, investigating suspected violators, taking aggressive enforcement action and seeking legislation to expand the state’s authority over robocalls.

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The Regulatory Mix, Inteserra’s blog of telecom related regulatory activities, is a snapshot of PUC, FCC, legislative, and occasionally court issues that our regulatory monitoring team uncovers each day. Depending on their significance, some items may be the subject of an Inteserra Briefing.